The Tayrona National Park
Where the jungle ends on the beach
Hiking through the jungle to spectacular beaches, wildlife spotting…The location of Tayrona National Park is spectacular, between the Caribbean Sea and the highest coastal mountain range in the world, the Sierra Nevada de St. Marta. Not surprisingly, it is one of the most popular national parks in Colombia. Add to that its location 35 km from Santa Marta and 240 km from Cartagena, and you have a fine stopover to grab while traveling along the North Coast. Many travelers combine a visit to Tayrona National Park with Minca, Ciudad Perdida and La Guajira.
Influence of the Indian community
Long ago, the Tairona Indians lived in PNN Tayrona and today their descendants, the Kogui, live in the Sierra Nevada. They have preserved their culture and traditions and -together with other indigenous groups- are closely involved in PNN Tayrona. About 3 times a year Tayrona NP is closed so that the indigenous groups can perform spiritual rituals and the ecosystem can recover.
Find information on current closing dates and other tips here.
#ToColombia tips
#1 Visiting Tayrona, this is how it works!
(updated February 2023)
- Pay COP5000 for the mandatory insurance
After this, you get an orange band on - Go to the box office to pay the entrance fee.
COP 54,500 low season- COP 64,500 high season. At the end of April 2022, we paid COP 57500. Payment by debit card is possible - Show a copy of your passport + Covid-19 vaccination certificate
The rules are changing rapidly, but at this time a vaccination certificate is still required for Tayrona NP. A yellow fever vaccination is recommended but not required. - A van can take you to the start of the hike for COP5000.
These go every few minutes. The start of the hiking trail is 5km further up so highly recommended. The same goes for being taken back to the exit.
#2 Avoid the queues and arrive early
The park opens at 7:00am. If you come after 12:00am, you may not be let in due to the maximum number of visitors allowed per day. On holidays and weekends it can be very busy, so if you are flexible, plan your visit during the week.
#3 Bring plenty of cash
We entered the park at El Zaino, the main entrance. If you enter the park at the Calabazo entrance, you can only pay in cash. Also inside the park itself, you can’t take debit cards and it’s cash only.
#4 Keep in mind the closure dates
3x a year Tayrona NP is closed so that the indigenous groups can perform spiritual rituals and the ecosystem can recover.
The closing dates in 2023 are:
- Feb. 1-15
- June 1-15
- October 19-November 2
Check the website of Tayrona National Park for updates.
#5 You can’t swim everywhere
Due to strong currents, not all beaches are suitable for swimming. Tayrona’s most popular beach is Playa Cabo San Juan and you can also swim at Playa La Piscina. Always keep a close eye on the warning signs and flags at the beaches.
#6 ToColombia hotel tip
After an active day in Tayrona, want to relax in a beautiful lodge near the park? Then check out Senda Koguiwa lodge This lodge is a 10-minute walk from the park’s main entrance. Also at Kantawa Eco Spa hotel is a great place to relax after a day of hiking in Tayrona National Park. The hotel features an outdoor pool, spa and wellness center with a steam room, hot tub and Turkish bath.
Check out more hotels and hostels in and around Tayrona. and in Santa Marta. Check out here if you want to go to Tayrona National Park with a guide.
Read here the comprehensive travel guide to Tayrona National Park
